Saskatchewan SGI Driving Practice Test

If your car begins to skid, what should you do?

1. Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go

2. Immediately slam on the brakes

3. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left

4. Accelerate to regain control

The correct answer is: Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go

When your car begins to skid, it’s essential to regain control by steering in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This technique, known as "steering into the skid," allows you to align the vehicle's tires with the direction of travel, helping to regain traction. By doing so, you help the vehicle stabilize and reduce the risk of spinning out of control. This method is particularly effective in a rear-wheel skid, as it encourages the rear wheels to follow the path of the front wheels, allowing you to regain directional control. Other actions, such as slamming on the brakes or sharply turning the steering wheel, can exacerbate the skid and lead to a loss of control. Accelerating in a skid is counterproductive, as it can further diminish traction and make the situation worse. Understanding this technique is vital for safe driving, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow where skids are more likely to occur.